Fecal Score Research Articles

16S rRNA and metabolomics reveal the key microbes and key metabolites that regulate diarrhea in Holstein male calves

IntroductionDiarrhea is a prevalent disease among calves, which significantly hinders their growth and development, thereby impacting farm productivity and revenue. This study aimed to investigate the impact of diarrhea on calf growth.MethodsHolstein male calves with similar birth weight (39.5 ± 4.2 kg) were included in this study, and key parameters such as fecal score, diarrhea incidence, and growth performance from birth to weaning were measured. Rectal fecal samples from both diarrheic (n = 24) and healthy calves (n = 24) aged 1–4 weeks were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics.ResultsOur findings indicated a high prevalence of diarrhea among calves between 1–4 weeks of age on pasture, which led to a marked decrease in growth performance, including average daily gain. At the genus level, the relative abundance of GCA-900066575 in one-week-old diarrheic calves was significantly higher; Escherichia-Shigella and Pseudoflavonifractor were more abundant in two-week-old calves; while Tyzzerella and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004 increased significantly in four-week-old calves, and correlated negatively with average daily gain, suggesting that these bacteria may promote the occurrence of diarrhea. Correlation analysis revealed that fecal metabolites such as arachidonic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, oleic acid, choline, creatinine, and others were significantly negatively correlated with calf growth performance and were significantly increased in diarrheic calves. WGNCA identified that dark magenta module metabolites were significantly associated with diarrhea traits from 1–4 weeks. Thirteen metabolites, including glycerophospholipids (such as 1-stearoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), fatty acids (such as dodecanoic acid), and arachidonic acid, were positively correlated with GCA-900066575, Escherichia-shigella, Tyzzerella, and Clostridium_butyricum, but negatively correlated with UBA1819, Lachnoclostridium_sp_YL32, and Clostridium_scindens.DiscussionTherefore, GCA-900066575, Escherichia-shigella, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004, and Tyzzerella are likely key bacterial genera causing diarrhea in calves, while arachidonic acid, glycerol phospholipids, and fatty acids are critical metabolites associated with this condition. These alterations in the fecal microbiota and metabolite composition were found to be the principal contributors to growth retardation in diarrheic calves.

A proposal of a fecal scoring system based on physicochemical analyses of suckling pig feces

BackgroundDigestive disorders are one of the main health problems in suckling piglets. The correct visual identification of feces in suckling piglets is an important tool for the diagnosis of enteric diseases. The aim of the present observational study was to analyze different physicochemical parameters of the feces of suckling piglets aged 0 to 21 days: visual appearance (color and consistency), fecal dry matter (FDM) content and pH. A total of 482 fecal samples were collected and visually classified into six categories: meconium, colostrum stage feces and 4 further scores according to the degree of consistency: 0 = form; 1 = pasty; 2 = liquid; and 3 = watery feces. The percentage of FDM was estimated by two drying methods, oven and microwave, doing duplicates in each one to evaluate methods, and both were compared.ResultsThe most frequent colors of each feces category were dark green or dark brown for meconium; orange for colostrum; formed feces were mostly ocher and for the rest of the feces, the colors varied predominantly cream and ocher. Regarding FDM, liquid and watery categories had no statistically significant differences between them; meconium and colostrum feces FDM were not statistically different from pasty feces. The correlation coefficient between the FDM values of the duplicate analyses of the samples by both methods (oven and microwave) was very high (> 0.988). Importantly, no differences were found while comparing the results between both methods (p = 0.078), and the correlation coefficient between all samples analyzed with both methods was very high (> 0.98). Meconium was the only one that differed significantly from the rest in terms of pH.ConclusionThe physicochemical study of the feces of suckling piglets including color, FDM and pH allowed the establishment of an objective fecal score to characterize the stools in this age group.

Nutritional Value of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil in Calf Milk Replacers.

Sustainable alternatives to high environmental input feed ingredients are important to reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Protein and oil extracted from cultivation of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) on waste feedstocks such as manure, food waste and plant residues could be a suitable source of nutrients. The oil from BFSL contains large amounts of saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, and may be a more sustainable alternative to palm and coconut oils that are currently used in calf milk replacers in many parts of the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate animal performance in neonatal calves fed calf milk replacers (CMR) containing oil from BSFL. Holstein heifer calves (n = 100) were assigned randomly at birth to receive one of 4 experimental containing 24% CP and 18% fat from a blend of 80/20 palm/coconut oil (B0), 80/20 palm/BSFL oil (B20), 70/30 palm/BSFL oil (B30), or 60/40 palm/BSFL oil (B40). Calves were fed up to 900 g/d of CMR powder reconstituted to 15% solids daily to d 55, then 600 g/d to d 63 and 300 g/d to the end of the trial at d 70. Commercial calf starter, wheat straw, and water were available for ad libitum consumption. Intake, growth, fecal scores, and feed efficiency were monitored and reported weekly. There were no effects of experimental treatments on growth, or feed efficiency. Consumption of CMR during the first 2 weeks of the study were lower when calves were fed B20 (wk 1 and 2) or B30 (wk 2). Calves were generally healthy and there were no indications of feed refusal or maldigestion. Probability of a non-normal fecal event (fecal score > 0) was lower when calves were fed B20 during the first 3 weeks of the study. Oil from BSFL may be an attractive alternative to palm and coconut oil in calf milk replacers.

Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics mitigate mucosal damages from F18+Escherichia coli challenges by positively balancing the mucosal microbiota in the jejunum of young pigs

BackgroundEnterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea in young animals. Postbiotics derived from yeast have the potential to positively influence the mucosal microbiota in the jejunum, therefore it was hypothesized that Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics could enhance the microbiota and mucosal immune response in the jejunum, mitigating the effects of infection with enterotoxigenic E. coli. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Saccharomyces yeast postbiotic on the mucosal microbiota and mucosal immune response in the jejunum of newly weaned pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.ResultsThirty-six individually housed nursery pigs were allotted into three treatments utilizing a randomized complete block design; negative control (NC: basal diet, no challenge), positive control (PC: basal diet, challenge), and SYP (basal diet + Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics at 175 g/ton, challenge). On d 7, PC and SYP were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli, whereas NC received saline. On d 28, pigs were euthanized for sampling of the jejunum to analyze the mucosal microbiota, oxidative stress, immune status, and intestinal morphology. The PC reduced (P < 0.05) growth performance compared to NC. The SYP improved (P < 0.05) fecal score from d 7–18 when compared with PC. SYP reduced (P < 0.05) protein carbonyl, reduced (P < 0.05) gene expression of Toll-like receptor 4, and increased (P < 0.05) gene expression of mammalian target of rapamycin, compared with PC.ConclusionsChallenge with F18+E. coli negatively impacted jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and jejunal morphology, affecting growth performance. Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics could reduce the negative effects associated with F18+E. coli infection.

Bitter compound quinine hydrochloride improved post-weaning pig performance in the absence of zinc oxide

Context Dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) (a bitter antimicrobial chemical) in pigs is being gradually phased out due to pollution and antibiotic resistance. Bitter compounds like quinine hydrochloride (HCl) have shown potential to enhance growth and feed efficiency by slowing gastric emptying and intestinal passage rates in pigs. Aims This study aimed to evaluate quinine’s ability to improve performance in weanling pigs without ZnO. Methods Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1: 120 Landrace (LD) × Large White (LW) weaned piglets (initial BW 6.8 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four diets in a 2 × 2 factorial design: with/without ZnO and copper sulfate (CuSO4) (3000 and 250 ppm, respectively) and two quinine levels (0 and 500 ppm). Parameters measured included average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and faecal score. Experiment 2: 1440 LD × LW piglets (initial BW 7.4 ± 0.2 kg) were housed in groups of 18 per pen and assigned the same four dietary treatments as in Experiment 1. Key results Growth performance parameters were recorded and analysed, showing that ZnO/CuSO4 supplement improved growth and feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the ZnO/CuSO4-free diet group. In Experiment 1, pigs supplemented with quinine in non-ZnO/CuSO4 diets showed similar (P &gt; 0.05) performance levels to the ZnO/CuSO4 fed group. In addition, an interaction (P &lt; 0.05) was found, indicating that adding quinine improved or worsened ADG and G:F depending on the absence or presence of ZnO/CuSO4 in the diet, respectively. In Experiment 2, quinine inclusions in non-ZnO diets improved (P &lt; 0.05) ADG but did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) ADFI and G:F. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the anticipated deleterious effects of phasing out the use of dietary ZnO can be partially compensated by includingquinine in the diet of post-weaning pigs. The negative effect of quinine when provided together with ZnO is compatible with a competitive exclusion mechanism linked to both stimulating bitterness, a mechanism that warrants further investigation. Implications Quinine shows potential as a partial replacement for ZnO in post-weaning pig diets, providing a promising alternative to maintain piglet health and growth while transitioning away from ZnO.

Dietary fibre fractions supplementation modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut fermentation metabolites, and fecal consistency score in nursery pigs

Dietary fibre (DF) may modulate the intestinal health of pigs depending on the content of DF fraction (DFF). Two hundred mixed-sex pigs (7.56 ± 0.86 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in four blocks. Diets comprised a basal diet (BD), or BD supplemented with 2% DFF to provide soluble DF and insoluble DF, from inulin and lignocellulose, respectively, in ratios of 1:1 (DFF1), 1:3 (DFF2), 1:5 (DFF3), and 1:7 (DFF4) for 28-d. Compared with BD, plasma interleukin-6 was reduced in DFF1 by 20.1%, while plasma interleukin-1β was reduced in DFF2, DFF3, and DFF4 by average 20% (P &lt; 0.05). Superoxide dismutase was lowest in DFF1 or DFF2 and highest in DFF3 (P &lt; 0.05). Decreasing SDF:IDF quadratically increased plasma urea nitrogen (P &lt; 0.05) and tended to decrease plasma myeloperoxidase (P &lt; 0.10). Hindgut ammonia-nitrogen and biogenic amine concentrations were reduced in DFF diets compared to BD (P &lt; 0.01). Overall, DFF reduced FCS compared to BD (P &lt; 0.001). Decreasing SDF:IDF quadratically reduced FCS (P &lt; 0.05). The results indicate that 2% DFF supplementation, regardless of the SDF:IDF, modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut fermentation metabolites, and FCS in nursery pigs.

Effect of second iron injection on growth performance, hematological parameters, and fecal microbiome of piglets fed different dietary iron levels.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a second iron injection for suckling pigs fed diets with different dietary iron levels in the nursery period on growth performance, hematological parameters, serum and liver trace mineral content, fecal score, microbiome, and metabolites. A total of 70 newborn pigs from 7 litters were assigned to either one or two iron injections within litter and received the first i.m. iron injection (200mg) at 2-3 d of age. Pigs assigned to the second injection treatment received an additional iron injection 5 d after the first injection. At weaning (d 27-30 of age), pigs within iron injection treatments were divided into 2 nursery diet treatments for a 27-d growth period. Treatments were: 1) no additional iron injection + nursery diets with 100ppm iron (NC), 2) second i.m. iron injection (200mg) + NC diets, 3) no additional iron injection + nursery diets with 200ppm iron (PC), and 4) second i.m. iron injection (200mg) + PC diets. The second iron injection increased liver iron content at weaning (P = 0.08, tendency), and serum iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels until d 13 postweaning (P < 0.05). In the nursery period, pigs receiving the second iron injection had a greater final body weight (P = 0.08, tendency), overall growth rate (P = 0.08, tendency) and feed intake (P < 0.05), and lower fecal score (P < 0.05) indicating firmer feces compared to those receiving one iron injection. There was no major effect of dietary iron level or interaction with the iron injection treatment in any measurements except that the pigs fed the PC diets had greater hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (P < 0.05) at d 27 postweaning and a lower fecal score (P = 0.08, tendency) in the late nursery period than those fed the NC diets. The second iron injection reduced fecal bacterial alpha-diversity based on Faith's phylogenetic diversity at weaning (P < 0.05), while the second iron injection and dietary iron levels resulted in dissimilarity in the fecal bacterial community based on Unweighted Unifrac analysis (P < 0.05; at weaning by iron injection and d 27 postweaning by dietary iron level). In conclusion, the second iron injection for suckling pigs improved postweaning growth performance and hemoglobin levels and affected the fecal microbiome, whereas an additional 100ppm of dietary iron supplementation increased hemoglobin levels and altered the fecal microbiome in the late nursery period but did not affect postweaning growth.

Supplementation of lysophospholipids in calf starter: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites, health, and ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial mixture of Lysophospholipids (LPL) in calf starter on performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant capacity, liver enzymes concentration, and health status of pre-weaning dairy calves. Forty-eight newborn female Holstein calves (37.5 ± 2.9kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to four treatments (12 replicates), which included the control (CON, without additive) and a commercial blend of LPL at 0.5, 1, and 1.5g/kg of starter feed. The body weight of the calves was measured using a digital scale on days 15, 30, 45, and d 63 of the experimental period to calculate the average daily gain (ADG). The individual starter intake and fecal score were measured daily. Blood samples were collected at 30 and 63 days, while fecal samples were collected for four consecutive days after weaning to measure nutrient digestibility. The treatments did not significantly afffect the total dry matter and starter intake. However, the supplementation of LPL resulted in an increase in the ADG and improved feed efficiency (FE, from1-63 d) compared to the CON group. The addition of LPL did not have any significant impact on the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), and organic matter (OM). Eether extract (EE) digestibility tended to increase with the addition of LPL. Calves that received starter feed containing 0.5g/kg of LPL had higher superoxide dismutase activity at 30 d of age compared to the intake.CON group. Additionally, the average fecal score significantly decreased in calves fed 0.5 and 1.5g/kg LPL compared with the CON group. These findings suggest that the inclusion of LPL at an average dose of 1g/kg of calf starter can improve the performance of pre-weaning Holstein dairy calves.

Growth performance of neonatal Holstein heifers fed acidified waste milk containing essential oil blend and encapsulated butyrate alone or in combination.

Previous research demonstrated the growth promoting benefits of an essential oil/oligosaccharide blend (EO; Stay Strong, Ralco, Inc.) or an encapsulated sodium butyrate (C4; Ultramix GF, Adisseo, Inc.) fed to neonatal calves. The possibility exists these technologies may be additive based on their individual mechanisms of action. The study objective was to evaluate EO and C4 alone or in combination when fed to Holstein heifers raised on a commercial Chinese dairy operation. Sixty-four heifers were blocked by calving day and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (n = 16/treatment) using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) Control: CN; milk fed 3x/d; 2) EO added to the milk at the rate of 1.50 g/d/head; 3) C4 added to the milk at 1.70 g/d/head; and 4) E4: EO and C4 added to the milk at the rates of 1.50 and 1.70 g/d/head, respectively. Heifers were fed acidified waste milk using an increasing/decreasing phase feeding program with weaning on d 56 for a 70-d experiment. Heifer birth weight was a significant covariate with heifers fed EO, C4, and E4 demonstrating greater body weight (42.4, 47.0, 46.6, and 48.0 kg for CN, EO, C4, and E4, respectively) gains and average daily gain (605.0,672.5, 665.7, and 686.7 g/d) compared with heifers fed CN. Calf starter intake (0.558, 0.584, 0.692, and 0.624 kg/d) was greater for heifers fed C4 compared with heifers fed CN with heifers fed EO and E4 being intermediate and similar. Feed conversions (0.439, 0.480, 0.444, and 0.477 kg/kg) were greater for calves fed EO and E4 compared with calves fed CN. Total d of fecal score = 0 was greater for heifers fed EO and lowest for heifers fed E4 with heifers fed CN and C4 being intermediate. Gains in body length and hip width were greater for heifers fed EO compared with heifers fed CN, C4 and E4. Total-tract apparent fiber (neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber) digestibility was greater of heifers fed EO and C4, intermediate for heifers fed E4 and lowest for heifers fed CN. Heifers fed EO demonstrated lower fecal salmonella counts compared with heifers fed CN, C4, and E4. Heifers fed EO and C4 demonstrated greater blood serum total volatile fatty acid concentrations (9.75, 12.91, 11.22, 10.89 µM) compared with heifers fed CN with heifers fed E4 being intermediate and similar. Heifers fed EO, C4, and E4 demonstrated greater growth performance, but the combination of EO and C4 did not further improve growth performance.

Performance, nutrient digestibilities, and metabolic profiles of Holstein calves fed whole milk or milk replacer at two feeding levels.

The macronutrient composition of common milk replacers (MR) largely differs from bovine whole milk (WM). These differences are more nutritionally relevant when calves receive higher milk allowances. Therefore, the present study compared fresh WM with a conventional MR fed at 2 level of feeding allowances evaluating growth performance, apparent total-tract nutrient digestibilities, nitrogen (N) balance, and serum metabolite profiles in calves. Forty-eight newborn Holstein male calves (1.96 ± 0.99 d of age; 45.0 ± 4.37 kg BW) were blocked by arrival date and age. Calves in each block were then randomly assigned to the 4 treatments (n = 12/treatment): MR or WM at a high (9.0 L/d) or low feeding allowance (4.5 L/d) fed 3 times daily. Calves were weaned between wk 6 and 10 following the introduction of the starter feed in wk 6. The study ended 13 wk after the arrival at the facility. Blood and body weights were collected on arrival, and weekly thereafter. Total 24h-collection periods of feces and urine was performed at wk 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Remarkably, no interactions were observed between liquid feed and level of supply. Calves fed MR had higher ADG during the pre-weaning phase than to calves fed WM. However, calves fed WM had an increased growth rate post-weaning, resulting in no difference in BW at the end of the study. Calves fed WM had a higher apparent crude fat digestibility during the weaning period. Metabolic N efficiency, expressed as N balance relative to digestible N supply, was higher during the pre-weaning phase, but tended to be lower during the post-weaning phase for calves fed MR as compared with calves fed WM. In the pre-weaning period, serum glucose, BHB, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol were influenced by liquid feed source. Carry-over effects of milk source on TG and TP were observed during the post-weaning period. As expected, calves fed a high-milk allowance showed better ADG at pre-weaning and were consistently heavier throughout the study than calves fed a low-milk allowance. Feeding a high-milk allowance did not negatively affect nutrient digestibility during the post-weaning phase. In the pre-weaning phase, milk allowance affected glucose and cholesterol metabolism, whereas TG, TP, albumin, and NEFA concentrations were affected during the post-weaning period. From a single oral dose of indigestible markers (Cr-EDTA, lactulose, and D-mannitol), calves fed a high-milk allowance showed greater urinary recovery of all markers after 6h of collection, but not after 24h. Calves fed a high-milk allowance had a higher proportion of days with lower fecal scores during the pre-weaning phase. In conclusion, the serum metabolite profiles of calves throughout the study were highly influenced by milk source. Higher milk allowance increased growth performance and had no adverse effects on starter feed intake or nutrient digestibility in the post-weaning phase. The multiple effects described for milk source and level of supply were overall independent, presenting no relevant interactions.

Influence of physical forms of non-forage diet on growth performance, feeding behavior, rumen and blood indices, and nutrient digestibility in fattening goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical forms (PF) of a non-forage fiber-based fattening diet on the growth performance, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood, and rumen indices in male Beetal goats. Thirty male goats with an average body weight (BW) of 32 ± 1 kg were assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were as follows: (1) Pelleted (P) diet, where all ingredients were ground to 2 mm and then pelleted; (2) Texturized (TX) diet, where all ingredients, except whole corn grain, were ground to 2 mm, pelleted, and then mixed with whole corn grains; and (3) Unprocessed conventional mix (UCM), where all ingredients were mixed without any mechanical processing. The experimental duration was 12-week, two weeks for dietary adaptation, nine weeks for growth data collection, and one week for evaluation of nutrients digestibility. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of BW were higher (P < 0.05) in the P diet compared to the TX diet. The male goats fed with the UCM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio than TX and P diet. The ruminal pH tended to be higher (P < 0.05) in the goats fed the UCM compared to those fed the TX and P diets. The odds of having a fecal consistency score of 3 or more were 16.4 times (2.18–123.97) greater in the P diet and 9.1 times (1.15–72.16) in the TX diet than in the UCM. The intake of DM, NDF, feeding and total rumination time, were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed UCM than those fed P and TX diets. The digestibility of NDF and EE were higher (P < 0.05) in the UCM and TX than in the P diet. These findings suggest that incorporating an unprocessed diet composed of whole corn grain and soyhulls can lead to enhanced growth performance, improved feeding behavior, and better nutrient utilization.

Effects of Fermented Soybean Hulls on Reproductive Performance, Blood Physiology and Immune Parameters Along with Fecal Microbiota in Sows.

This study aims to investigate the effects of fermented soybean hulls (FSHS) on reproductive performance, plasma biochemical profiles, immune parameters, and fecal microbiota in sows. A total of 325 sows were randomized into five groups, each fed a diet with varying FSHS proportions: 0% (control), 2% (FSHS2), 4% (FSHS4), 6% (FSHS6), and 8% (FSHS8). Diets were prepared by replacing conventional soybean hulls with FSHS in equal amounts. The study lasted from day 30 to day 110 of gestation. The results indicated the following: (1) Reproductive Performance: The number of live piglets per litter, newborn litter weight, and individual piglet weight increased linearly with the increase in FSHS addition in the diet (PLinear < 0.05). A trend toward reduced farrowing duration was observed when FSHS was added to the diet (PLinear = 0.076). FSHS improved newborn weight and weight variation compared to the control when FSHS was added to the diet (PAnova < 0.05). Replacing soybean hulls with FSHS also increased fecal scores, enhancing fecal consistency and alleviating constipation (p < 0.01). (2) Plasma Biochemical Indicators: Plasma urea concentration on day 60 decreased linearly with increasing FSHS (PLinear < 0.05). Plasma total protein and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities showed quadratic effects (PQuadratic < 0.05) on day 60 and 90 of gestation, while alkaline phosphatase activity on day 90 showed a quadratic trend (PQuadratic = 0.082). (3) Hormone Levels: Plasma insulin and adrenaline levels exhibited quadratic effects on day 60 and 90 of gestation, respectively (PQuadratic < 0.05). (4) Immune Parameters: Plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) levels increased linearly with FSHS proportion on day 60 (PLinear < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed on day 90 (p > 0.05). (5) Fecal Microbiota: On day 90, the abundance of actinobacteriota increased quadratically with FSHS levels (PQuadratic < 0.05), while bacteroidota decreased linearly (PLinear < 0.05). During parturition, actinobacteriota abundance continued to increase linearly (PLinear < 0.05). Notably, the FSHS8 group had higher actinobacteriota abundance compared to the control group (p = 0.05). At the genus level, terrisporobacter showed a quadratic increase and then decrease (PQuadratic < 0.05), while ruminococcus showed a quadratic decrease and then increased (PQuadratic < 0.05). Both terrisporobacter in the FSHS2 and FSHS6 groups and ruminococcus in the FSHS8 group were more abundant compared to the control (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with FSHS increased fecal microbial diversity, alleviated the incidence of constipation, and ultimately improved sow reproductive performance. The recommended optimal addition of FSHS to the sow diet is 6%.

Use of Drones for Trough Reading, Animal Counting, and Production Monitoring in Feedlot Systems

In line with the concept of precision agriculture, this study aimed to validate the use of digital aerial images captured using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for collecting zootechnical data on cattle feedlot systems in a tropical environment. Images were captured on 21 non-consecutive days in 110 pens with up to 150 animals each. Conventional and RPA-based methods were adopted to determine animal behavior, feed trough levels, animal counts, and pen conditions. Data analysis revealed almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 0.901) between trough readings taken by conventional and RPA methods as well as substantial agreement for fecal score (kappa coefficient = 0.785) and surface conditions (kappa coefficient = 0.737). However, animal counts and water quality scores showed only fair agreement, suggesting challenges in using RPA for these specific tasks. The results indicated that RPA represents a viable alternative to conventional methods for monitoring zootechnical indices in feedlots, offering benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The implementation of RPA-based methods holds potential for improving animal management, welfare, and yield in feedlot systems.

Evaluation of different fat sources and their combinations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, and meat quality of pigs of different ages

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different dietary fat sources and their combinations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score and meat quality in pigs of different ages. For experiments 1, 2 and 3, a total of 108 weaned pigs, 96 growing pigs and 84 finishing pigs were divided into pens according to their body weight (BW) and gender. They were assigned to three dietary treatments according to a completely randomized block design. For experiment 1, the dietary treatments were as follows: 1) TRT1, basal diet with lard as the fat source; 2) TRT2, basal diet with soy oil as the fat source 3) TRT3, basal diet with lard and soy oil in a 1:1 ratio as the fat source. For experiments 2 and 3, dietary treatments were 1) TRT1, basal diet with tallow as the fat source, 2) TRT2, basal diet with crude palm oil as the fat source, 3) TRT3, basal diet with tallow and crude palm oil in a 1:1 ratio as the fat source. In later stages, increased BW (P = 0.041) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed in TRT3 compared to TRT1 in experiment 1 (P = 0.041). In experiment 2, higher BW (P = 0.029) and ADG (P = 0.031) were observed in TRT1 compared to TRT2 in week 1 and phase 1. Experiment 3 showed no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary fat sources. Although a minor effect was observed in weaning pig and growing pig, soy oil and lard; tallow and palm oil can be suitable substitutes for each other in overall pig production.

Effects of amount of lactose in milk replacer on gastrointestinal function of dairy calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding milk replacer (MR) at different lactose amount while keeping osmolality constant on gastrointestinal function, blood parameters, and inflammation-related mRNA expression in the livers of dairy calves. Fifteen Holstein bull calves were assigned to one of three dietary treatments differing in MR lactose content (L: 38 %, M: 41 %, and H: 46 %). Feeding of the test diets was started at 1 day of age and gradually increased to a maximum feeding rate at 20 days of age (L: 1.16 kg/d, M: 1.21 kg/d, and H: 1.26 kg/d DM). Under these conditions, the lactose dosages for the treatments were 441 g/d, 496 g/d, and 580 g/d, respectively. The MR were prepared to ensure isocaloric and iso-osmotic (451 mOsm/kg) conditions. Fecal scores were recorded daily, and at 14 and 28 days of age, blood and breath samples were collected before and after MR feeding. In addition, feces and urine were collected for 2 consecutive days. Then, the calves were slaughtered to evaluate intestinal permeability and liver mRNA expression. The permeability in the duodenum and ileum was lower in H and M than in L; the permeability in the jejunum was also lower in H than in L. The hepatic mRNA expressions of toll-like receptor-2, IL-1β, and tumor-necrosis factor-α were lower in H and M than L. Nitrogen retention was higher in H than in L, and linear and quadratic increasing trends were observed in tissue ratio of gastrointestinal tract with the increase in lactose amount. Postprandial increase in plasma glucose concentration was smaller and postprandial increase in TG concentration was higher in H than in L. Fecal properties, digestibility, and breath hydrogen concentrations were not affected by treatment. These results indicate that feeding high-lactose MR may increase gastrointestinal weight and decrease permeability in the small intestine of calves.

A new combination of a prebiotic and postbiotic mitigates immunosenescence in vaccinated healthy senior dogs.

Elderly dogs often suffer from chronic diseases, in part attributed to immunosenescence, characterized by reduced blood CD4+ T cells (helper T cells) and elevation in the CD8+ T cells subset (cytotoxic T cells). Studies conducted in adult dogs suggested that supplementing short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) or postbiotics derived from yeasts may positively influence the immune response. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with a combination of scFOS with a new yeast postbiotic (Profeed ADVANCED® called scFOS+) could have a positive influence on the immune status of senior dogs subjected to an immune challenge (Lyme disease vaccination). To this end, 22 healthy senior client-owned dogs were divided into two groups: one group received a placebo diet without scFOS+ and the other group the basal diet supplemented with 1.1% scFOS+. In order to assess immune function, complete blood count, serum acute phase proteins, immunoglobulins, cytokines, T-cell subsets and antibody secreting cells were analyzed. Furthermore, faecal score and pH were recorded. Dogs fed the scFOS+ supplement had decreased total serum IgA concentrations (p < 0.01), which might suggest a more local IgA response in agreement with what was previously found when adult dogs were supplemented with β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan, a yeast-based product. More importantly, the present study demonstrated that feeding 1.1% scFOS+ to healthy senior dogs increased the CD4+:CD8+ T-cell (Helper:Cytotoxic T cell) ratio (p < 0.001) during and after vaccination against Lyme disease. Combining scFOS and yeast-derived postbiotics in the diet can therefore counter certain characteristics of T-cell immunosenescence in dogs.

Effect of Dietary Xylanase Inclusion on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digesta Viscosity of Weaned Pigs Fed Wheat-Soybean Meal-Based Diets.

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids, and digesta viscosity at different digestive sites in weaned pigs fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy. (2) Methods: A total of 312 weaned pigs (5.1 ± 0.9 kg, 20 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The experimental diets were formulated in a three-phase nursery feeding program: phase 1 (d0-d7), phase 2 (d8-d21), and phase 3 (d22-d42). The experimental diets consisted of a wheat-soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC); the PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) (negative control, NC); and the NC diet with either 900, 1800, 3600, or 7200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d7, 14, 21, and 42 in the nursery phase. The pen fecal score was assessed daily from d0 to d14 and three times a week from d15 to d28. On d21-d24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta, feces for nutrient digestibility, and feces and cecal digesta for the measurement of volatile fatty acid. (3) Results: The addition of xylanase to the NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain; p > 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 < 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 and 4 (diarrhea) than the PC and NC diets. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly (p < 0.1) in response to xylanase addition. Xylanase addition (900 to 7200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in the colon compared to the PC and NC diets. Furthermore, xylanase addition resulted in a lower (p < 0.05) concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and total volatile fatty acid in cecal samples compared to PC. The addition of xylanase resulted in greater acetic and valeric acid concentrations in cecal samples compared to the NC group (p < 0.10). (4) Conclusions: Xylanase addition can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at the total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related to decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its impact on growth performance was minimal in wheat-soybean meal-based diets with a reduction of 100 kcal of ME.

Effects of dietary cellulose on clinical and gut microbiota recovery in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea: a randomized prospective clinical trial.

To assess the impact of dietary fiber supplementation with cellulose on clinical course, fecal consistency, and intestinal microbiota composition in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea (AD). From September 2022 to November 2023, a total of 19 dogs presenting with uncomplicated AD were included in this prospective, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trial. The time to resolution of diarrhea was evaluated via owner surveys and a fecal scoring chart. The client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to a cellulose group (CG) or control group. The intestinal microbiota was analyzed via quantitative PCR. A marginally significant, faster improvement in stool consistency on day 1 was observed in the CG (P = .09). All dogs improved clinically, with a median recovery time of 3.0 days in the CG and 3.2 days in the control group (range, 1 to 6 days in both groups). There was no significant difference regarding the Canine Acute Diarrhea Severity index or composition of the intestinal microbiota during the study. All dogs with uncomplicated AD exhibited rapid clinical improvement and recovery of the core intestinal microbiota within the first few days. Cellulose improved the fecal consistency in a subset of dogs, and intestinal dysbiosis was mild and self-limiting. The administration of dietary cellulose has the potential to accelerate improvements of stool consistency. Mild changes in pathobionts, such as an increased amount of Clostridium perfringens, are self-limiting; thus, antibiotic intervention is not warranted.

Dietary supplementation with functional amino acids improves the capacity of growing pigs to cope with a health challenge

This study aimed to assess the effects of additional dietary supplementation with a blend of functional amino acids (FAA) with Thr, Trp, and Met as a preventive (prior to health challenge), curative strategy (during health challenge) or both targeting the performance, body composition, metabolic biomarkers of growing group-housed pigs raised under a health challenge. Additionally, the influence of these feeding strategies on pig response was investigated after the challenge (during the finishing phase). Sixty weaned piglets [6.3 ± 0.9 kg body weight (BW)] were distributed based on BW in a nursery barn to one of two dietary treatments (n = 30): control (CN) or supplemented with FAA blend (FAA+; 120 % of the Thr:Lys, Trp:Lys, and Met+Cys:Lys requirements) for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, the pigs (27.9 ± 4.2 kg of BW) were distributed in a randomized complete block design to one of four treatments for the period of the health challenge period in the growing phase: pigs fed a CN diet during the nursery period were either maintained on a CN diet (control; n = 14) or switched to an FAA+ diet (curative strategy; n = 14), whereas the pigs fed an FAA+ diet during the nursery period were either fed a CN diet (preventive strategy; n = 14) or continued receiving an FAA+ diet (continuous strategy; n = 14). The health challenge consisted of subjecting growing pigs to batch mixing, poor housing conditions, and oral inoculation with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Poor housing conditions were maintained for 4 weeks (weeks 8–11). After this period, the pigs received the same standard diets for 9 weeks (weeks 12–20), and the facilities were cleaned daily. The health challenge increased the rectal temperature (P < 0.01) and serum concentrations of haptoglobin (P < 0.05), IgA (P < 0.05), IgG (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01), creatinine (P < 0.01), and urea (P < 0.01), while reducing serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01), and glucose (P < 0.05). Pigs fed a continuous FAA+ diet trend towards lower fecal ST shedding (P < 0.10) than did the curative strategy pigs and had better fecal consistency scores (P < 0.01) than did the control pigs. During the challenge period, pigs fed FAA+ curatively or continuously demonstrated higher average daily gain and feed efficiency compared to control pigs (P < 0.01). Greater (P < 0.05) protein deposition (+30 %) and improved (P < 0.05) nitrogen retention efficiency (+20 % to curative and +30 % to continuous strategies) were observed in the pigs fed the FAA+ diet during the health challenge compared with the control pigs. Curative-fed FAA+ pigs had greater BW at the end of the finishing phase than did the control and preventive group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of FAA supplementation as a curative or continuous strategy is highly effective at improving the performance and body composition of growing pigs under a health challenge.

Efficacy of Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAKi) in the treatment of biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract Introduction Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are an orally available treatment for patients with moderately to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). There are currently 3 JAKi for UC: tofacitinib, filgotinib and upadacitinib with variable selectivity to JAK-11. There is limited data comparing the outcomes between biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patients. This study describes the effectiveness of JAKi according to biologic exposure. Aim To investigate the effectiveness of 3 the JAKi’s, tofacitinib, filgotinib and upadacitinib according to biologic exposure. Method We undertook a retrospective study of UC patients treated with JAKi within a tertiary hospital. Clinical endpoints were assessed at week 8-12. Baseline disease activity, previous advanced therapies and use of corticosteroids were documented. Clinical response was defined as reduction in SCCAI score by ≥3 points from baseline or a sustained score of &amp;lt;2.5. Clinical remission was defined as a SCCAI score of &amp;lt; 2.5, and/ or a calprotectin level of &amp;lt;250 mg/g with a CRP of &amp;lt; 5mg/L. Ethical approval has been granted by HRA and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) (REC ref: 24/HRA/1198) Results 52 patients were reviewed at week 8-12 following their first dose. 15, 15 and 22 patients were on tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib respectively. 3 (20%) of patient in the tofacitinib group were exposed to at least 3 biologics prior to initiating the JAK Inhibitor, followed by upadacitinib which was 3 (14%) of patients. In the tofacitinib group, most patients were exposed to 2 previous biologics (n=7, 47%), whereas majority of patients on filgotinib and upadacitinib had exposure to 1 previous biologic, 7 (47%) and 8 (36%) patients respectively. For the patient group exposed to 3 or more biologics (n=7, 14%), 100% patients on tofacitinib (n=3) and upadacitinib (n=3) achieved clinical remission by week 8-12, whereas none of the patients on filgotinib achieve clinical remission. In biologic naïve patients, filgotinib demonstrated the greatest improvement in calprotectin score with a reduction in 30% from baseline (n=2, 100%). In patients exposed to ≥3 biologics, upadacitinib achieved higher rates of improvement in faecal calprotectin score (n=2, 100%). Conclusion Our observations suggest that patients exposed to at least 3 biologics, tofacitinib and upadacitinib were the most effective, whereas filgotinib seems to be more effective in biologic naïve patients. Our patient cohort is small. We will continue to collect data and undertake further statistical analysis to examine the significance of the observations and factors associated with effectiveness. Reference 1. Goetsch, A et al. Advances in pharmacotherapy for ulcerative colitis: a focus on JAK1 inhibitors. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 2023, 24(7), 849–861.